Australian silky terrier looks like a soft toy. This breed is considered not so old, since it was bred at the beginning of the last century. Dogs belong to the group of indoor decorative terriers. This lap dog has a gorgeous long coat, which is parted in the middle of the back.
Among the ancestors of this Australian dog, also known as the Sydney Silky (silky terrier), – Skye Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and Australian Terrier. It is believed that when breeders developed the Australian Terrier in the late 19th century, they used Yorkshire Terriers to improve the blue and tan color. The resulting silky-coated puppies became the founders of the breed we know today. The breed was registered by the Kennel Club in 1933, officially recognized in the USA in 1959.
A stocky, compact, squat dog of small size. Head of medium length with a flat skull and strong jaws. The eyes are dark, small, round in shape. The ears are small, triangular in shape, thin, set high, erect, the ends are directed upwards. Case of moderately stretched format. The chest is deep and wide. The back is straight. The loin is strong. Limbs of moderate length. Paws are small, round, compact, with black claws. The tail is docked and carried straight. The coat is fine and silky. Wool length – 13 – 15 cm along the spine (from the base of the ears to the base of the tail). On the lower part of the limbs, the hair is short. Silky terrier color – black-backed – blue with fawn or greyish blue with fawn. The breed contains not only blue and fawn color, but also red and sand. Puppies are born almost black and change color with age.
Silkie Terrier – a cheerful companion, strongly attached to the owner and loves children. The hunting instinct inherent in terriers makes him an excellent rat catcher. Terrier is pugnacious. But despite its agile nature, the Australian Silky Terrier is obedient, balanced, good in contact with a person, affectionate and intelligent. This is a very clean dog, well adapted to indoor life, provided frequent and long walks.
The silky terrier's coat requires regular brushing two to three times a week with a soft-bristled brush or slicker brush. You should also comb out the places of possible tangling of wool with an ordinary metal comb to prevent the formation of tangles. If left untreated, tangles and matted hair can cause discomfort for the dog and cause skin problems. You should trim your dog's nails at least once a month and wash your dog with shampoo every 4-6 weeks.
Like many small breeds, Australian Silky Terriers can have problems with patellas that can temporarily slip out of place (patella luxation), hip pathologies, and tracheal problems.
